Best Backpacking Destinations in Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan, Taipei, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Best Backpacking Destinations

Best Backpacking Destinations in Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

1. Taipei 101

Iconic skyscraper with an observatory offering panoramic city views.
  • Height Advantage: Provides a bird's-eye view of the entire city.
  • Quick Access: Easily reachable by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus services.
  • Evening Light Show: Features a stunning light show in the evening.

2. National Palace Museum

World's largest collection of Chinese artifacts under one roof.
  • Historical Significance: Houses over 700,000 pieces of art and artifacts.
  • Educational Value: Offers guided tours and educational programs.
  • Convenient Location: Located in Shilin District, easily accessible by public transportation.

3. Jiufen Old Street

Vibrant night market offering traditional Taiwanese snacks and souvenirs.
  • Cultural Experience: Retains the atmosphere of a traditional mountain village.
  • Food Variety: Known for its famous Taiwanese dessert, A-Gei.
  • Scenic Views: Overlooks the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains.

4. Yangmingshan National Park

Natural paradise featuring hot springs, hiking trails, and cherry blossoms.
  • Natural Beauty: Offers a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  • Hiking Opportunities: Features several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
  • Relaxation Zone: Has hot springs for a relaxing soak after a long day of exploring.

5. Ximending Pedestrian Area

Trendy shopping district with fashion boutiques, street food, and live music.
  • Fashion Hotspot: Home to popular local clothing brands.
  • Street Performances: Offers daily live music and dance performances.
  • Youthful Vibe: Known as the 'Harajuku of Taipei' due to its vibrant youth culture.

6. Longshan Temple

Historic temple with a rich cultural and spiritual history.
  • Historical Significance: One of the oldest temples in Taiwan, built in 1738.
  • Cultural Experience: Attracts a diverse crowd for prayer and festivals.
  • Architectural Beauty: A stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture.

7. Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf

Popular waterfront area with food stalls, performances, and a lighthouse.
  • Food Options: Features seafood dishes fresh from the ocean.
  • Night Market: Has a vibrant night market selling local delicacies and souvenirs.
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the Tamsui River and sunsets.

8. Shifen Waterfall

Taiwan's most famous waterfall with a 40-meter drop.
  • Natural Wonder: The tallest waterfall in northern Taiwan.
  • Hiking Opportunities: Located near the Shifen Scenic Area with hiking trails nearby.
  • Photography Spot: Provides a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos.

9. Beitou Hot Spring Museum

A museum showcasing the history of Taiwan's hot spring culture.
  • Cultural Insight: Explores the origins and evolution of hot spring therapy.
  • Relaxation: Adjacent to several hot spring bathhouses for visitors.
  • Accessibility: Easily reachable by MRT from downtown Taipei.

10. Dadaocheng Wharf

Historic wharf area with old warehouses and a beautiful fountain.
  • Architectural Preservation: Retains the original structure of old warehouses.
  • Cultural Experience: Hosts events and exhibitions showcasing local culture.
  • Scenic Beauty: Features a stunning fountain display during the evening.

11. Taipei Zoo

Home to over 1,600 species of animals and giant pandas.
  • Animal Diversity: Features a wide variety of animal species.
  • Giant Panda Enclosure: Houses two giant pandas on loan from China.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about wildlife conservation.

12. Hualien Taroko Gorge

Breathtaking gorge with marble cliffs and hiking trails.
  • Natural Beauty: A stunning example of Taiwan's natural landscape.
  • Hiking Opportunities: Features several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
  • Scenic Viewpoints: Offers numerous viewpoints for photographing the gorge.

13. Sun Moon Lake

Largest lake in Taiwan with a unique double-lake shape.
  • Natural Wonder: The shape of the lake resembles a sun and a moon.
  • Relaxation: Offers boat tours, hot springs, and scenic spots for relaxation.
  • Cultural Experience: Features the Wenwu Temple, a sacred site for the Thao people.

14. Tainan Anping Fort

Historic fortress showcasing Taiwan's colonial past.
  • Historical Significance: Constructed during the Dutch colonial era in the 17th century.
  • Cultural Experience: Houses a museum showcasing Taiwan's history and culture.
  • Architectural Beauty: A well-preserved example of Dutch colonial architecture.

15. Taichung Rainbow Village

Colorful military dependent village transformed into an art installation.
  • Artistic Expression: Features vibrant murals and artwork by a local artist.
  • Historical Significance: Originally built as military housing in the 1950s.
  • Instagrammable Spot: A popular spot for photography and social media posts.